Q & A

Sterns

I am familiar with "trad" and "cruiser" sterns. What is a "semi-trad" stern like?

Asked by: A. J. Curtis | 4.50pm, Friday 19 March

WW says:

It is really a cross between the other two. There is a much larger deck than the traditional stern for you and your crew to stand on and enjoy the scenery together. Instead of stopping at the rear bulkhead, the cabin sides continue to the point where they would on a traditional stern so that they form a windbreak and the opportunity to incorporate some lockers or seats. This gives the boat the appearance of having a traditional stern when viewed from the side but with the larger deck of a cruiser.As with all hybrid solutions, it has some of the advantages and some of the disadvantages of the other two. If you are thinking of buying a boat or having one built, it is a good idea to try each type - perhaps by hiring - before you finally decide.

Graham Booth | 10.31AM, Saturday 20 March

Readers say:

I recently hired a semi-trad dayboat, my previous experience all being with cruiser sterns (Now seemingly out of fashion). The enclosed sides would doubtless be welcome in very bad weather but I found the presence of all that sheet steel very irritating. I'm used to being able to move unhindered around the rear deck when steering. Definitely try one out before deciding.